It is hard to imagine how the Moscow campus looked 130 years ago this week when the University of Idaho was founded. January on the Palouse means there probably was snow on the ground, gray skies and wind whistling through the prairie grasses. There was no administration building, no towering pines, no groomed lawns.
And yet, the pioneers of the Idaho Territory saw the great potential to be realized by investing in the education of their children. Both houses of the Territorial Legislature approved “Bill No. 20” on Jan. 29, 1889; then-Gov. Edward Stevenson signed the bill creating the University of Idaho located in Moscow 130 years ago today, Jan. 30, 1889. A year later, the territory would become the state of Idaho.
In a sense, the state of Idaho and the University of Idaho have grown up together, each supporting the other with resources, innovation and problem-solving. The impact of the university on the state’s economy – especially the stalwart sectors of agriculture, natural resources, mining and engineering – continues today. The impact of U of I on the heart and history of the state through the arts and social sciences also continues, capturing and celebrating the essence of what it means to be an Idahoan. As Vandals, we can be proud of our role in Idaho’s growth and prosperity.
Think of the generations of the Vandals who have received their degrees, and then returned to their Idaho communities to serve as teachers, farmers, engineers, inventors, reporters, miners, scientists, entrepreneurs, musicians, dancers and business owners. Think of the generations of Vandals who, because of their experience at our alma mater, have stepped up to serve on school boards, city councils and the state legislature and in the halls of the U.S. Congress. Think of the generations of Vandals who have raised their children to step up in the same ways in the future.
So, happy U of I Founding Day! They don’t make a greeting card for the occasion, but it is definitely a day to take a moment and be proud and thankful to be associated with an amazing institution.
Go Vandals! 
Kathy Barnard, ’81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
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Upcoming Alumni Events
Feb. 1 – Vandal Night at the Spokane Chiefs, Spokane, WA
Feb. 7 – Vandal Scholarship Fund Gala, Boise, ID
Feb. 8 – Winterfest VSF benefit, Twin Falls, ID
Feb. 9 – Vandals at TriplePlay, Hayden, ID
Feb. 19 – Policy Pub, Washington D.C.
Feb. 22 – Vandal Ski Weekend at Lookout Pass, ID/MT border
March 1 – Vandal Ski Day Kickoff, McCall, ID
March 2 – Vandal Ski Day, McCall, ID
View more events on the alumni calendar.
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BOB AND MARCIA ROSS '71
Rooted in Vandal Country, Growing the Future
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There are many benefits of being in the Vandal family. For many, it’s the relationships forged on campus that last a lifetime. For others, it’s the support and encouragement of a global community. Still others enjoy the many opportunities to explore and discover their passions. For Bob ’71 and Marcia ’71 Ross, it’s all of those — and more.
Read More >>
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Game Day T-shirt Design Contest
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Calling all Vandal fans! Leave your mark on campus by designing the 2019 Game Day T-Shirt. These shirts are given to each incoming first-year student at our signature Vandal Walk, and are available for purchase at the Vandal Store. The contest is open to all members of the Vandal Family.
Submissions are due February 27 to sarb@uidaho.edu.
Learn More >>
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Update Your Alumni Record
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You've likely traveled to far-off places to discover new things. Drop us a line about your achievements while you're out blazing trails, and we'll be here to keep the Vandal connection.
Click Here >>
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Looking for a new career? Need help revising your resume? Alumni of the University of Idaho have lifetime access to the U of I Office of Career Services. Wherever you are in your career, we are here for you.
Check out these job opportunities:
Director of Admissions | Alazar School, Cascade, ID
Learn More >>
IT Software Engineer | Idaho Department of Ag.,Boise, ID
Learn More >>
Regional Communications Manager | Idaho Fish and Game, Jerome, ID
Learn More >>
Looking for jobs at U of I? Visit the U of I job board >>
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Joe Knows...
Former Facebook engineer buys 100 acres in Coeur d'Alene, promises public access
Spokesman Review - Jan. 27, 2019
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How long is a day on Saturn? Astronomers just found out.
National Geographic - Jan. 24, 2019
Learn More >>
University of Idaho Supports Aspiring Indigenous Educators
Native News Online - Jan. 23, 2019
Learn More >>
UI Opens Law School Fast Track Program to Lewis-Clark Sate College
Spokesman Review - Jan. 22, 2019
Learn More >>
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Alumni chapters nationwide await more Vandal grads.
To join, simply contact a chapter volunteer.
Find One Near You >>
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